The Rock City Sanitarium by D. E. Blake

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 24, 1908

The Rock City Sanitarium

By D. E. Blake

DOUBTLESS those who knew of the proposed establishment of a sanitarium for the colored people, in Nashville, Tenn., have been watching the columns of the REVIEW for some definite information in reference to it.

Five-rooms are being added to our present building, for bath- and treatment-rooms, which we hope will be finished in about a week; then a few days' plumbing will complete our preparations for regular work. The prospect is encouraging, and we have every reason to believe that the institution will accomplish the purposes for which it was established.

One of the chief reasons for establishing a sanitarium for the colored people, in Nashville, as recommended by the spirit of prophecy, is the opportunity which the city affords of placing the truth before the many students who come here every year to attend the educational institutions for the colored. This we are to do by getting acquainted with the leaders of these institutions, and calling their attention to our work, securing, if possible, their interest and co-operation. We can then visit their institutions and lecture to the students, and invite them to visit our sanitarium.

To this end the Lord has been working even before we came to the city. Last summer the dean of one of these colleges visited two of our sanitariums, and the impressions made upon his mind caused him to become deeply interested in us and our work. In an interview with him recently, he told me that he felt obligated to us for the courteous treatment given him at our sanitariums. He has been taking treatments at the Nashville Sanitarium, and expresses his appreciation of them. This gentleman has kindly consented to my putting copies of our denominational papers in the reading-rooms of the college. This is an excellent opportunity for placing the silent messengers within reach of nearly five hundred students and teachers. Let us improve it.

Will not our brethren of the publishing associations assist us in placing some of our publications in this important institution? As there are several departments, we could use six copies of our weekly periodicals each week, and the same number of monthlies. Life and Health would be especially appropriate, as there is a medical department connected with this institution. It would also be a good thing if our people would subscribe for copies of our papers, and send them to the teachers. The subscriptions might be for six months, and at their expiration, perhaps the teachers would renew them. I would be glad to correspond with any one who would like to assist in this way.

We have not reached the position in our work where we can say that we have no need of financial assistance. We are poor, and we recognize this keenly, too, and ask for your continued interest in us.

The Southern Missionary Society, in addition to its other important and expensive lines of work, has assumed the responsibilities of the sanitarium. The society's zeal, however, exceeds its financial strength, and more than once within the past six months, it has come near “breaking down” under its weight of obligations. There is still danger of this mishap, unless some who are able will offer their assistance. I doubt if it will be able to stand alone, as its financial strength goes as fast as it is received, to help the almost helpless work among the colored people.

Many have responded liberally to the calls for help in this work in the past, and we trust they will continue the good work. We heartily appreciate what has been done. The Lord takes account of these gifts also.

We need one or two trained lady nurses immediately, to connect with our sanitarium work, and we invite correspondence with any one who would like to connect with our institution. Applicants must be thoroughly consecrated, and willing to work for the upbuilding of the cause of truth, with small wages. Our post-office address is 316 Foster St., Nashville, Tenn.

We have also decided to start a small class in nursing, and would be glad to correspond with consecrated young men and women who are interested in this kind of work.

Having something definite of which to write in connection with our sanitarium, we shall henceforward report as regularly as our work will permit. We solicit an interest in your prayers for the success of our sanitarium. D. E. BLAKE.